We are introducing an entirely new event and tradition! Well, actually it is an old tradition in many ways and we at The House Celebrations are renewing it. Cultures from many lands and throughout the years have gathered for Celebrations and Feasts. Possibly the first event like this was when the family of Adam and Eve gathered to share the story of Creation. The people dispersed geographically and eventually their stories were written down by inspired men in the form of scriptures. After many hundreds of years, their stories were gathered and were now in the form of Fairy Tales, Myths, Sagas, etc. There are even symbols of these stories in Shakespeare. (Thanks Kelli for teaching me!)

Is it any wonder that cultures around the world all have similarities in their festivals? Dancing, singing, beautiful clothing, family, each telling their stories; of the hunt or their connection with the Creator. Do these cultural celebrations contain remnants of an original celebration?

Gathering family for Celebrations is rather normal. We do it weekly. But, do we combine all these elements together into one whole? Are we experiencing it ourselves or just watching it take place?

I propose we begin Celebrating! Celebrating Our Story. Celebrating Song. Celebrating joyful Movement. Singing, Dance and Storytelling combined with Family. One reason why we sing: to remember our stories. One reason we dance: to remember joy. (A natural result of this movement is the burdens we carry are more easily released to Christ. Observe it and see if you feel better after you move.)

Join us NEXT MARCH 2015in a Christ-centered Family Celebration!

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We are Celebrating Our Story. Our common story and our specific stories. As civilizations rose and fell, the remnants of the culture they left behind were in the form of stories & art. The Power of Story is real.Stories preserve community and family culture. They also can renew an individual's connection with themselves and their importance in this world. Stories are what keep us connected together in our churches, families & communities. And no matter what communities we come from, we all share the story of Creation & the Creator.We are Celebrating Song. Did you know that a culture of singing is what freed the entire nation of Estonia? After Stalin took over the Baltic States in 1939/1940, the people lost their freedom to celebrate their identity. After 50 years, they began gathering to sing their cultural songs. This gave them more and more courage to stand against their oppressors and grew to a point where they stood, hand-in-hand, in 1991, against the tanks, singing. The world saw this on the news and it was the first time we understood what had been happening those 50 years after WWII. Singing is powerful!! And through a simple song, we can learn a powerful message. We often sing hymns and those hymns encourage and uplift us. For this Celebration, we, the audience, will be singing a few beautiful folk songs. We are Celebrating Joyful Movement. Did you ever notice that each culture around the world includes dance as a part of their festivals? Have you ever wondered why? Did you know movement is a strong need of the body and even helps us release negative emotions to Christ? Think about it. Running is great to do when we have to let-off steam. Walking may help us think. Yoga and breathing helps us to calm the chatter in our minds. There are many studies and research showing the benefits of movement. Now, did you also know the Jewish culture enjoys a dance at their wedding feasts? This tradition goes back anciently, and I believe has something to do with the word feast, which means, to gather in a circle and dance. Interesting huh?

What is Contra Dancing? Contra Dancing is when a "caller" give us the directions & instructions of where to move on the floor. The shapes of the movements are usually in circles. Similar but different from "Square" Dancing. And, there are no set patterns so everyone can join in without knowing anything! Our Caller will give instructions. Yeah!

Why Contra Dancing? I was able to enjoy Contra Dancing for the first time this past summer and I realized it has been around in America's history since the beginning. (It is similar to the Jane Austin movies - style.) I could see how it is easy to learn for most ages and encourages laughter and delight! AND, I want to bring these environments together to enjoy movement with the entire family because I believe movement like this will keep us healthy, connected with our Creator and joyful. And it's Fun!!

Published July 14, 2014 on houseofthebook.org

Our StoryOnce Upon a Dimension not far from here, there was an Artist, a Master Artist. This Master Artist was a dreamer and wonderer. He had learned and mastered all the Principles of the Universe and the organic Environments & Materials, which produced nurturing and growth which all Artists have the ability to master. His favorite thing to do was to wonder about things. He wondered and wondered and he noticed, explored, asked questions and more questions, and observed more, until he could see an image in his mind. Then he would go and create it with his hands. He learned the precise the combination of these certain Principles, Environments & Materials, created a beauty and flow which acted as a key. The Master Artist used this key to Unlock the Chambers of all Creations.

The first image he wondered about, explored with, asked himself about was a sphere. When the image came to his mind, he began to shape, mold and form it. One form. One space. one day. Uniting all principles into one. He called it Earth.

The second image he observed, explored and asked about was a division of the sphere into 2 halves. When he saw it he created it. Two spaces within one, each balancing the other. Water and land.

Next came many questions. He saw three's and triangles. How could...? What about...? Ahah!! Three lights came to be. Extending light to all.

Crossing the entire area, he scanned and found another pattern. From noticing 4 areas over the expanse, he was inspired to form four courners - reaching over encompassing the entire.

He took a deep life filling breath, and found hope and discovered his hands. Five. Is there a pattern here? he asked himself. He noticed and formed a pentagon. Five points. Five steps.

Oh! He made a connection after wondering and wondering about his hand. This Master Artist added principles of the Six to his work. He worked all night long and by morning, he had made a new artist in his own image. And another. These new artists, began filling up the Earth. They made new ones, and the new ones made new ones. And do you know what they loved to do? Dream, wonder and discover. And to use the Principles of the Universe, the Organic Environments & Materials which brought beauty and wholeness. He called these new artist his children. They called him their Creator.

Lastly, The Master Artist rested. He knew what he had made was good. Seven for Rest and Rejuvenation. A space was created for feasting unto completeness. A feast of a spiritual realm.

Yes, the sun shown bright and beautiful, then the clouds came and cast vicious shadows on the light. These artists had dual Natures. They were like the Master Artist, but also like the Earth they were formed from. They tried to become like the Mater Artist, but they forgot and got lost. Darkness entered the scene. It was hard to see the light. After being lost for long enough they were tired of being broken. Death and pain and destitute hearts.Broken. Lost and Broken more. Their connection! They slowly began to remember the Course and Path which lead to remembering and seeing. They rediscovered the tools which helped them overcome the Natural Man and become the Divine within. They began to find beauty and create like the Master Artist. Now, you and I have entered this scene. We can accept this connection and follow The Course and Path to become like this our Master Artist or make our own way to our own ends. The choice is ours.

The first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth times have all shown the sun and then clouds and turmoil of days better forgotten.

No worries however. All boundaries were planned and in proper order by this Master Artist to create the beauty and promise of the enabling Principles, Environments & Materials, Unlocking the chambers within all creation to flow and change and move upward towards light and life; all at the right time. All we have to do is Release & Receive HIM, our Master Artist and Savior.

Today, the time is now to combine the Principles, Environments, Materials, and Skills. You and I have the keys within to unlock this beautiful creative flowing movement and change upward toward light; to Become. You and I can become the facilitators to help others to do the same. In this process, we follow the Master Artist.Now, The Master Artist, Artist of all Artists, is waiting.

Welcome! Enjoy your search.

For those who have found themselves lost or wandering. It is my pleasure to share. I am a wife, a mother to 6, a teacher and mentor, a prolific creator, a naturalist, a symbolic-learning guide, an entrepreneur, real food lover, holistic living woman, a Footzonologist and Coach, and I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. katie@gatheringplaceforfamilies.org

What is the Hebrew Way?

The Hebrew Way is an ancient culture, understanding and way of life. It involves becoming Self-reliant in all ways of learning & living. We have lived and inherited the Linear mindset or the Occidental, Western or Greek ways. Since we have forgotten our original heritage, we no longer walk these paths. The trails have been long overgrown. Wonderful news. It is currently in the process of being restored!